Need some advice

[brian_ka7]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the site. I could use some advice about how to complete my setup.

I've been recording on a portable Tascam for a few years now. I've decided to get into computer recording. So I bought a Mac Mini and a big external drive.

I also have Steven Slate drum software
Steinberg Sequel
and a Steinberg MI4 interface

Long story short, Sequel freezes during installation everytime. And I realized it has a space-wasting library full of sounds I don't need. So I'd like to start over with something new. So i'm thinking about selling that and the MI4 and getting something new like a Digidesign Mbox Mini. Would that be wise?

Or do you think I should I keep the MI4 interface and try some new software with it? I thought the Mbox mini would be a good idea since its an affordable package. But I can't decide exactly what to do here. And I'm on a tight budget.

Thanks for any input.

[KineticSound]

Brian,
Welcome to the forums!

Originally Posted by brian_ka7

So i'm thinking about selling that and the MI4 and getting something new like a Digidesign Mbox Mini. Would that be wise?
Or do you think I should I keep the MI4 interface and try some new software with it? I thought the Mbox mini would be a good idea since its an affordable package. But I can't decide exactly what to do here. And I'm on a tight budget.

Honestly, I had not heard of "Sequel" until your post. The MI4, though a little dated*, should work fine with any of the popular software programs out there, provided the Mac can recognize it and assign it as an input device. My understanding of the MI4 is that it was part of a Cubase package... did a copy of Cubase LE or similar not come bundled with it?

* As the MI4 came out in 2004, it had some limitations when trying to use the relatively new standard 24bit/96k audio format. When you set the inputs to 24/96, you can only run two channels at once - the unit was really designed as a four-input 16-bit box. The MBox is a true 24-bit system; far more advanced than the MI4. If you move to the MBox as your interface, the software issue is moot, as the MBox comes with ProTools.

[brian_ka7]

Originally Posted by KineticSound

Brian,
Welcome to the forums!



Honestly, I had not heard of "Sequel" until your post. The MI4, though a little dated*, should work fine with any of the popular software programs out there, provided the Mac can recognize it and assign it as an input device. My understanding of the MI4 is that it was part of a Cubase package... did a copy of Cubase LE or similar not come bundled with it?

* As the MI4 came out in 2004, it had some limitations when trying to use the relatively new standard 24bit/96k audio format. When you set the inputs to 24/96, you can only run two channels at once - the unit was really designed as a four-input 16-bit box. The MBox is a true 24-bit system; far more advanced than the MI4. If you move to the MBox as your interface, the software issue is moot, as the MBox comes with ProTools.

Thanks for the reply. I got the MI4 from a friend without Cubase. I didn't know it was dated. So I think i'm going to try to sell it and get the Mbox.

I noticed that the Mbox mini doesn't have a MIDI jack. Do I need one if i'm using a USB MIDI controller? (such as the Korg padkontrol)

[KineticSound]

Originally Posted by brian_ka7

I noticed that the Mbox mini doesn't have a MIDI jack. Do I need one if i'm using a USB MIDI controller? (such as the Korg padkontrol)

Nope. The Korg would connect via USB; no MIDI jack required.